Hi Botchi. I have been doing some backreading on your advice regarding which car is right for a first-time owner like me. I have two kids and my husband is sort of medium-built, plus I just learned how to drive (so my husband will do most of the driving since he is the pro).

The two cars you picked are fine as mostly city cars, with trips out of town few and far between. The issue I see, though, is that many small cars with small engines have a difficult time out on the highway. Since going to Quezon Province every weekend is quite a lot to ask from a small car, these two might not be enough power-wise to handle your needs with such regularity.

The Toyota Wigo is really a city car meant for intra-city travel, while the Kia Picanto, although much better-specced and more refined than the Wigo, is still in the same ballpark. I drove a Picanto on the highway in Europe, and it barely got up to 100kph with only two people on board. If your car cannot meet the median highway speed, you pose a risk to other motorists and to yourself as well. As many traffic experts will tell you, it's the speed difference among cars that increases risk while driving on the highway.

A small car with a small engine will be working closer to its limits as well, so there will be issues of reliability and longevity, particularly for the engine, brakes, and suspension. I recommend looking at the Toyota Vios 1.3, Hyundai Accent 1.4, or Kia Rio 1.4. These are cars in the next segment up with bigger engines and roomier interiors. These would be safer and better-suited to the driving duties you have in mind, especially since you'll be close to full capacity each time you go to Quezon.

Hope this helps you make a better and more informed decision! It's worth saving up because you do get more in the end, given your particular needs.

Botchi eats, lives and breathes cars (aside from hotdogs). Aside from wanting to drive any car, preferably through some scenic destination, he's always thinking of ways to "improve them" by modifying the (insert any car-related word here).

@Cyverwin, if you want the X1 you already have a winner for yourself, since the X1 is a good product from BMW and the XV is also a good product too that also has plenty of goodies to start, afterall, it's brand preference and what you really like.

one.edchelle:

It's been awhile since I last messaged here! woohooo! Anyway, I love the new Civic RS Turbo

quick question...if the car i bought do not get the said km/l or fuel economy advertised by the company, is it a valid ground for fraud? and should companies be fined if they wrongfully advertise false claims such as fuel economy?

kalyeng2016:

Hi Topgear, where can I post road-relevant topics?

philmerc:

where are your forums now? Cant find on this site?

cocoa147:

Hello
Good Day
I'm an avid fan of Top Gear ever since and thanks to you guys I always get updated on what's the latest trends about automotive and etc.
I got a problem and I thought you could help me on this one. I did some research but I just wanted to hear it from the best. The ABS warning light is always turned on even while driving. The question/s 1.) Is that normal? 2.) Would other components be affected if ABS warning light were on even while driving? 3.) Does it cost much?
I'

grayt168:

Hi Top Gear, I'm looking to buy a Crossover or SUV. My budget is around 1M. Criteria is durability, low maintenance and fuel efficiency. Kindly suggest options. Should I just wait for Honda W-RV?

Springman:

Hi Top Gear. I'm looking for a hatchback car for my college kid. My budget is 600k. I'm thinking of getting Mitsubishi Mirage but if you can recommend a better one then I would really appreciate it. I don't really know much about cars, that's why I went here. Thanks!